On September 9th, 2014 Hornblower Cruises & Events of San Francisco hosted an evening fit for all holiday planners planning company parties. The Hornblower Holiday Showcase Cruise kicked off as the San Francisco Ferry Building Bell struck 5 pm. Guests were greeted at Pier 3, Hornblower Landing, by three fun promotion girls handing out Hornblower sunglasses to get everyone ready for the cruise.

After putting on their shades, guests had the opportunity to feel like a celebrity in front of the Hornblower Step and Repeat before they headed down the gangway covered in beautiful Juniper corkscrew trees decked out with twinkling lights.

Before guests stepped aboard they were able to take in the beautiful view from the gangway at Hornblower Landing.

While boarding the newly renovated California Hornblower, Hornblower’s Flagship Yacht, guests were welcomed by Captain Jorge. Once on board guests were greeted with the Blueberry Blitzen, a new holiday drink from Hornblower Cruises (and just in time for the holiday company parties coming up), featuring Champagne, Blueberry Syrup and a Cinnamon & Sugar Rim.

The deck was set in whimsical holiday style with specialty purple and silver linens – a modern holiday twist.

And then there was the food, typically guests don’t think of food on a yacht as decadent but tonight was top notch!

At the “From the Sea” station guests enjoyed Freshly Shucked Oysters and Ginger Prawns garnished with Mignonette, House Thai Chili Sauce and lemon. The custom Ice Sculpture kept this station cool throughout the event.

A few steps away, at the “Lite Bites” station you could sip Clam Chowder & Butternut Squash Soup in Mini Bread Bowls and snack on a Vegan Seasonal Salad. At the “Holiday Comfort Zone” station — my favorite — there was a freshly carved Turkey and Tenderloin of Beef, prepared by a talented carving chef. Accompanied by Mashed Potatoes, Vegetarian Stuffing and Cranberry Sauce, it felt like the holidays had really started. If you were feeling a bit adventurous, you could taste from the “Trip to Asia” station which featured fresh California Rolls, Dim Sum and Shanghai Egg Rolls.

After all of this delicious food it was time to play. The first stop? The cigar rolling table – that’s right there were cigars being made on board with custom company logo – a perfect add on to any corporate holiday party.

Then it was off to the liquor tasting stations: Knob Creek, Makers Mark and Laphroaig.

After warming up with the Whiskey and Scotch tasting it was time to step outside. Perfect timing — we were right in McCovey Cove. Just in time to hear the crowd roar for the SF Giants! Check out this awesome photo posted on Instagram.

Before the night was over, it was time for the Hornblower Photo Booth where guests had a great time posing with holiday and nautical themed props.

Last stop was the Hornblower Spinning Prize Wheel where you could win prizes like water bottles, cruise tickets, USB drives shaped like a yacht, Binoculars and more!

Thank you to everyone that attended this amazing evening on the bay and for those who entered the Photo Contest. Please join me in congratulating Instagram user Sandivelle! She is the winner of the Hornblower Photo Contest and has won a party for 10 aboard a Hornblower Dining Cruise.

To see more fun pictures posted that night check them out on our Hornblower Tagboard page..

It was a delight to enjoy the experience with you and can’t wait to see everyone on board for their Holiday parties. Enjoy the photos!